RICHMOND, Va. — On the day he reported to Redskins training camp, Robert Griffin III confirmed that he would not play in any preseason games “unless it’s a necessity,” and he won’t take part in any contact drills as he continues to heal from reconstructive right knee surgery.

“The current plan is just—patience is the key,” Griffin said Wednesday afternoon, after he and his teammates finished their conditioning drills at their new training-camp facility in Richmond. “I did all I could (in rehab), passed all my tests with Dr. (James) Andrews, with the doctors on the Redskins.”

As the Redskins opened training camp, Robert Griffin conceded that "patience is the key" in his recovery from reconstructive knee surgery. (AP Photo)

Griffin added that he would only participate in seven-on-seven and other non-contact drills during camp and understood that he would not face any real hitting—expressing confidence that he will still be ready to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the regular-season opener on September 9.

Having such patience, even though his surgery was only six months ago, will not be difficult, he said.

“I’ve been an overachiever all my life, I don’t want to deny that,” he said but added that he would adhere to the plan by the coaches and medical staff. “When it’s time to go full-go, I’ll be ready,” he said.

Griffin did say that he expected to wear a brace during the season and definitely will wear one during training camp. He also grasps the concept of protecting his body and thus his future and that of the team riding on his shoulders.

“The goal is longevity in this league,” he said. “Maybe that means staying in the pocket more, maybe that means throwing the ball away more.”